Car hire in Bourges

About Bourges

Bourges, a city in central France, is the capital of the Cher department in the Centre region. It lies at the confluence of the Yèvre and Auron rivers. The city sits at the top of a small hill and is probably best known as the birthplace of Louis XIV.

Today Bourges is a very popular destination for travelers and tourists from all over the world. The city offers a rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. Many people also refer to Bourges as a city of art and history. In addition, the city is known for its famous music festival that takes place every year in April and is called "Printemps de Bourges".

To explore this charming city, you will need about 2-3 days. So, if you are planning a road trip through France or especially through central France, you should put Bourges on your list of cities to visit. You definitely will not regret it. There is also a lot to see and do in the surrounding areas of this city. So after exploring the beautiful old town of Bourges and visiting the museums and galleries, you can now explore the surrounding areas of Bourges. There are so many great places to go and things to do that you definitely will not get bored. There is something for everyone to do and see. If you prefer an active holiday, you will find plenty of activities in this region. If you prefer history and art, you will also have plenty to do here in central France, because, besides Bourges, there are many other places you can visit and discover the history of this country.

Basic info and car hire in Bourges

• Location: Centre region, France
• Population: 64,668
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Bourges has a typical degraded oceanic climate 
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Bourges are in good condition.
• Car hire in Bourges:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Bourges is in Bourges downtown. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Bourges!

 Driving in Bourges

It is quite easy to get along in Bourges. Traffic is not as heavy as in the larger French cities. There can be traffic jams during peak tourist season and rush hour, but all in all, you can move around the city fairly freely.

The best option for exploring the city center is to leave your car in one of the many parking lots in the city and explore Bourges on foot in combination with public transportation. This is the easiest and quickest way to explore the old town and some of the sights in the city center.

When you leave Bourges, the best option is to rent a car and explore the surrounding areas of the city. Many great places are accessible by car. The roads are in good condition so all you have to do is follow the rules, obey all the signs on the road, and drive safely. Buckle up and hit the road.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Bourges

Cathedral St-Étienne

This impressive building is a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. It is one of the most famous attractions of the city. It is impressive from the inside as well as from the outside. You can also climb the tower and enjoy a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings from the top. From time to time, events are also held in this church. It is a real pleasure to listen to the concerts that take place here in the Cathédrale St-Étienne. The acoustics in this church are truly fascinating. You will enjoy it!

Jardin de l'Archêveché

This garden, created in the 17th century, is a must-see in Bourges. This amazing and peaceful park is divided into two parts. One part is for old trees with historical significance and the other part is a newer park with places for different activities.

Old town

The part of the city that you should visit. It represents the past and the present of Bourges. Walking through the old town, you can feel the spirit of this city. There are many half-timbered houses, narrow streets, small squares, and perfect places to have lunch or a coffee.

Jacques-Coeur Palace

This fantastic palace depicts the life and connections of the famous merchant Jacques Coeur to the royal family. Today, it houses a museum with various exhibitions that you can visit to get a better insight into how people lived in this city in the past.

Best restaurants in Bourges:

S.P Restaurant

La Pasta

Au Rez-De-Chaussee

La Suite

Le Very Vappy

Hong Phuc